The role of livelihood, social capital, and market organization in shaping rural-urban interactions (post-print)

TitleThe role of livelihood, social capital, and market organization in shaping rural-urban interactions (post-print)
Publication TypeBook Chapter
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsL.J. de Haan, and P. Quarles van Ufford
EditorI.S.A. Baud, J. Post, L.J. de Haan, and A.J. Dietz
Secondary TitleRe-aligning government, civil society and the market : new challenges in urban and regional development : essays in honour of G.A. de Bruijne
Pagination283 - 308
Date Published2001///
PublisherAGIDS
Place PublishedAmsterdam
Publication Languageeng
KeywordsAfrica, Benin, food trade, Rural, rural-urban relations, traders, West Africa
Abstract

This chapter starts from the premise that economic actions can only be understood if looked upon as embedded in social structure. Therefore, it elaborates the concept of (sustainable) livelihood, which is taken to emanate from the interactions of actors with vital capitals. It argues that, in the context of globalization, livelihood becomes increasingly multidimensional and multilocal, spanning rural and urban areas at the same time. The chapter focuses on changing rural-urban linkages in West Africa, notably on the trade in maize, yam, and cattle in Benin. Expanding flows between rural areas and urban outlets are analysed against the background of the livelihood strategies of traders, paying special attention to trade organization, networks, entry modes, and accumulation paths. Emphasis is placed on the role of social capital in these interactions. Bibliogr. [ASC Leiden abstract]

IR handle/ Full text URLhttp://hdl.handle.net/1887/4810
Citation Key2413